Are you Really Gonna Run in This? 9 PAX witness a Community of Commitment at AGS..

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“Are you really gonna run in this?” These were the first words I heard this morning as my iPhone alarm sent its first chime across the ears of my 7 year old, who had found her way into my M and I’s bed earlier this morning. Her pint sized body with feet perfectly placed perpendicular into my rib cage was just the reminder I needed not to hit snooze for another 10 minutes. With both feet planted, I made my way along the the hall, grabbed by gear and proceeded down the stairs to change and lace up the Hokas. Wescott Slack channel from the previous evening left off with confirmation of clown car pickup between YHC and Deadbolt. YHC confirmed Knight Rider shuttle service would leave at 5:45am for a 3 mile EC to start the morning off, then followed by a 6 mile Main Event.

As I finished with last minute checks of the news and the latest in sports, I did a double check of the weather through the window and thought, “am I really gonna run in this?” That thought quickly shifted to a Hard Commit as I had DB waiting for me one street over. Arrived at the foot of his driveway 2 minutes ahead of the 5:45 pickup. Looked down at the phone to see a text from Dauber indicating he was out this morning with an achilles issue. This was unfortunate as I was not only looking forward to a Dauber post, but I had the route planned this morning to allow 2 opportunities for a Lowe’s Food bathroom visit, which makes for some good humor on the run, especially when he posts.

Deadbolt arrived on the passenger side a bit distracted with both hands full of gear and essentials necessary for this morning’s run. So much so that as we started to drive off, he realized he left the garage door open. A quick regroup to secure the home front and we were off. Good mumblechatter along the way and pulled into the parking lot where we saw several familiar cars and a shovel flag, indicating an earlier start time for additional PAX who got even earlier miles in this morning. Parked the car, planted the flag, did some last minute stretching before we were joined by Roger Roger. A rare sighting on a Sunday. AGS is always full of surprises.  Started the Garmin and we were off.

The 3 mile EC took us on a tour along the standard Cletus Route. We went old school and took a quick left to proceed to Main Street, but were met with puddles that were more like landmines and some road construction that forced some maneuvers around construction cones until we got to City Hall and proceeded along the open sidewalks back to Holly Springs Road and then back on Raleigh St. Proceed back to Womble and came upon a figure in the opposite direction that had the gait of Nemo, but sporting a Boy George durag bandana. Which PAX was it? Whoever it was, they were pushing a strong pace.

As we approached Stinson, the 3 PAX decided to head back to the Womble lot instead of proceeding forward to get the 3rd mile in. We would make up for it during the Main Event. On our way over the speed bumps we were greeted by Emeril, who slowed down long enough to give a wave and were eventually reunited with him in the lot, where we also encountered a Sunday unicorn in the form of Pablo, who was making his AGS debut.

Boy George joined the mix sporting a breathtaker for some rucking miles. H1N1 then Yogurt, followed by Forceps, equipped with bike for today’s edition of AGS. Still a drizzle in the air with 49 degree temps as 6:30 hit. At AGS we begin on time and warm up started with a quick greeting to everyone and instruction by YHC to follow him for a quick jog around the soccer fields.

Warm Up: Made our way around the picnic shelter and when we had the playground to our right, we switched to some lunge walks, then went to a light jog to the Crazy Ivan lot to circle up for SSH x10. Picked the jog back up, but learning my lesson from Friday’s EC, navigated the PAX around the small lake\puddle that formed in the far corner on the Stinson side of the lot. Performed some heel and toe walks, with some butt kickers and high knees mixed in. Light jog back to the main lot where PAX held a squat hold while YHC explained the route…

The Workout:

With the drizzle and rain accumulation these past weeks, there was no way we would be putting the Lake in play this morning. No sunrise, wet, and hills was the unfortunate formula this morning, but we had 9 PAX who were committed to ’embracing the suck.’ A wise man once said, “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” At AGS, I have come to find that accountability along these many trails and roads can take many forms and every Sunday I am humbled by the commitment by PAX who post and help drive each other through impossible situations.  Now this morning’s conditions where not ‘impossible,’ but “Are you really gonna run in this?” becomes less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity when you have 9 other HIM driving you through the rain or whatever else the Sky Q puts in your path.

The path took us down Stinson, where we connected with 2 committed PAX in the form of Brexit and LED, who started their morning stroll early. Along the way, we also saw Darby headed in the other direction complete with headlamp and a rucking sack. As the six made their way into the half-pipe of Stinson, we could see the Emeril and Pablo proceed back for the six from the top of the hill at the intersection of Bass Lake. Moved left toward Holly Springs Road and into the Ramkhatte development where we did a quick loop and another periodic circle back to pick up the six. Proceeded left onto Holly Springs, Right on Linksland, and then Right onto Salem Ridge. On Linksland, Pablo informed the Q that this would be the last circle back as he needed to get home for Sunday Service. Pablo and Emeril got some good mileage this morning and at solid pace. Thank you both for picking up the six the morning, men!

As YHC made his way down Salem Ridge, I looked back to see Forceps and DB in the distance, but no Roger Roger. As I circled back for the six, I learned that Roger Roger pulled a ‘Dauber’ and decided to pay a visit to Lowe’s. That Lowe’s along this route is a magnet and fellas, you are welcome. This route was by design for those looking to lose some extra weight along the way. Mentally prepared for the final two hills on the Salem Ridge Stretch and proceeded with caution as we crossed the street and headed up Bass Lake. It wasn’t long before Banana Seat motored down in the white Volkswagon with some emphatic horn work signaling encouragement to PAX, who were pushing up the hill. With Bass Lake conquered, Forceps, DB, and YHC made the final decent down Stinson to meet their last hill. As we made our way down, Yogurt circled back for the six and we attacked the hill together and then made our way around the soccer fields. We were reunited with Boy George and then UTI, who put in a 1/2 marathon this morning.

It’s Sunday, it’s not even 8 o’clock, it’s raining, and we had 16 SouthWake PAX posting serious miles in the gloom. Definition of commitment right there.

Mary: Stretches OYO, while YHC shared some words of wisdom. Along the theme of commitment, YHC shared that he celebrated another birthday this past Wednesday.  I made a decision 2 years ago to commit to a healthier life style, found F3, remained committed and I feel younger now than I did before I started. Heck- I feel better than I did in my 30’s.  I’ve posted about finding your ‘why’ in several backblasts in the past.  This morning’s exchange with my 7 year old would never have occurred 2 years ago. I would have rolled over and hit snooze and never experienced the things that I have just written about. Now when she asks me “Are you really gonna run this morning?,” it’s more of a rhetorical question in my mind as long as I know that I’ve got PAX waiting for me in the parking lot no matter how ‘impossible’ the conditions are for that morning or evening. It’s not a matter of will I run, its how far and how fast am I gonna be pushed. We are all stronger because of the commitment by the PAX in our group and continue to be inspired by the new guys starting out that continue to show up. YHC challenged PAX this week to make 3 connections- 1) one to an old friend to reconnect 2) an existing friend who you may not have seen in a few weeks (M4L-I’ll see you this week), and 3) a person you have never met (maybe in line at the grocery store, Dunkin Donuts, work, etc..), reach out to them introduce yourself and connect. There are people out there that need us-old friends and new ones.

Announcements: Wrightsville is just around the corner. Tobacco Rd. is the week after.

Prayer: Prayers for Shredder, Moby’s dad, CrabLegs, DoubleD. Deadbolt took us out.

A Rucking Magic Show..11 PAX Got Stronger and Served A Large Helping of Hills at AGS

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Another brisk morning at AGS with cloudy skies. Temperatures hovered around 34-35. As I pulled into the lot, I came upon the grill of a giant truck that had backed into the spot facing the entrance. Put the car in park and looked to my left and it witnessed a rare Sunday Cowboy sighting. He had missed U-Turn yesterday, and heard the news that there were miles to be had on Sunday. Pulled the flag out from the back seat and planted it with authority. Today was gonna be one of those days where it all comes together to set the tone for the week. As I planted the flag, Dauber rolled in, followed by Dumbo who had heard there would be some ‘Rucking’ at AGS the night before.

At that moment, I must have either been deep in thought or maybe my head was down long enough to not see that the Sir DawgPound arrived in his silver chariot. It was like a damn magic show at that point, as M4L emerged from Dumbo’s truck equipped with his backpack. Boy George appeared from the shadows of the newly installed bright lights at Womble, then followed by the boys of WoodCreek- Lipstick and UTI.  Another unexpected surprised appearance came in the form of Yogurt, who ran in from the other side of the lot with a 4 legged companion, Anabelle (aka-F3:Crumb Snatcher). With 2 minutes before 6:30, Forceps was putting the finishing touches on his mountain bike assembly to ride alongside our rucking and running brothers this morning. 6:30 hit and YHC advised those that were rucking this morning to drop their bags for the following warm-up that went something like this…

Warm Up: Light jog to the far end of the lot. Carioca L over R\R over L back. YHC then made the call to have PAX follow down the steps and start counter clockwise around the soccer fields. Squat holds for the 6. Circled up for Imperial Walkers x10. Mosey’d to the far end to the Crazy Ivan lot where PAX circled up for squat claps x10. Lunge Walks alternating to Butt Kickers and High Knees to the Stinson side corner of the soccer fields. Circled up and performed Hillbilles x10. Toe Walks and Heel Walks to the last corner with alternating Butt Kickers, Lunge Walks and Frankensteins. Last Corner circled up for a set of Moroccan Night Clubs X 10. Mosey’d back to the lot where PAX performed a squat hold while YHC confirmed this morning’s route for running and ruckers received instruction on their Sunday edition route.

The Workout: The running route was as follows: PAX headed up Grigsby to Sugg Farm and headed to the preceding neighborhood onto the greenway. Once entering Bass Lake, PAX proceeded counter clockwise making a half moon around Bass Lake, and proceeding down Bass Lake Road to a right on Salem Ridge. PAX then followed Salem Ridge to a series of lefts, one on Linksland, another on Holly Springs Rd, and then Raleigh, Grigsby, and Stinson back to the parking lot.

The rucking route included a wonderful 3.5 mi route complete with majestic skyline views through the Sugg Farm gates and a date with Soul Crusher. Although I did not have the privilege of experiencing this route today with those that were rucking, I am sure the mumblechatter was on point and just what the doctor ordered for those in attendance. I did see some pictures of PAX attacking Soul Crusher afterward and can only imagine the quality exchanges that took place on this particular segment on the incline.

As for the running route, YHC had an opportunity to catch up with PAX after a week away from the gloom due to work travel. Sunday’s are special to YHC as selfishly it’s the one day where I hit the reset button, reflect on the week, catch up with my F3 brothers, and clear my head for the week ahead. I have been committed to Sunday 10k runs at AGS for many weeks now and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the accountability from the PAX that continue to show each week and push me in ways I never thought possible. Speaking of pushing, Lipstick (aka-Anthony Sobier’Jetski’-thank you Dumbo) led the way with UTI not far behind and making the most of his AGS experience by picking up the six several times on the 6+ mile route on his way to 9 miles by the end.

At the beginning of the run, it appeared that Crumb Snatcher had taken to some extracurricular activities at Womble, which led Yogurt to head back to corral her before eventually rejoining the PAX on the greenway. Cowboy, SirDawg Pound and YHC made our way up Grigsby and onto Sugg, but not before noticing that someone built a large wall along the new construction, which unfortunately now blocks the panoramic view of the orange, pink, and purple hues that make up the main attraction of the AGS.  Made our way to the greenway, but not before snapping a photo of the sky-a prefect blue\pink watercolor between the neighborhood homes. PAX made their way around the lake and then onto Salem Ridge for some hill work. At this point in the workout, YHC would like to say that he chewed these hills, but it was more like a chew and some choking between bites as there were periodic walks and squats at each block along the way to Linksland. Fortunately, Lipstick and Cowboy kept YHC accountable throughout this segment, with UTI later giving high-5’s to PAX along Holly Springs Rd. as he picked up the six.

Along Holly Springs Rd with Cowboy in front, we witnessed a car being pulled over on the other side of the street. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought this poor guy got pulled over unnecessarily as a result of the reading on the street radar sign Lipstick put up with his running today and not this guy’s actual vehicle speed. Anyway, PAX proceeded onto Raleigh, then Grigsby and Stinson, back to the lot to join PAX for COT.

Was later informed that Bernie, Brexit, and PSI were out in the gloom this morning, making it happen with 14 miles of roadwork. Nice Work, Gents! Also a Draper jeep sighting….we’ll have to check the Strava..

Mary: Stretches OYO. YHC offered a few words as we approach this week and shared a story from his travels this past week. The message shared today was inspired by some recent branding from his company that states “When you change what is possible, you change everything.” Almost two years ago, YHC was uncommitted and in many ways in need of F3 without even knowing it. I couldn’t walk walk up 5 flights of stairs, let alone run a half mile. Now I’m here every Sunday running 6+ miles. The message is simple and true in all things. YHC reminded PAX to be aware of their ‘energy’ not just in the gloom, but at home with family, and in their relationships. The positive energy we exude is important not only to positive decisions and relationships, but decisions of purpose that impact the positive change and help others achieve what is possible. Keep headlocking, Men! There are many out there that need us.

Announcements: 3 weeks to Wrightsville, 4 weeks to Tobacco Road. Dunkin Donuts for 2nd F-where we met Skidmark were later treated to an economics lesson by Dumbo and a Dauber Lowe’s adventure story.

Prayer: Prayers for Shredder, DoubleD, Double D’s Dad, Marriages. YHC took us out.

Clear Skies, Sunrise Views, Can’t Lose..

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A brisk 28 degrees at game time. Clear skies with hints of orange provided the perfect backdrop to what would be one of the best sunrise runs of the year at AGS. If you haven’t posted yet to this AO, you need to try it at least once. I’m not just saying that as the Q, but honestly, there is no better way to start your week than with some miles to clear your head…oh yeah and the gem of AGS- the sunrise views.

Flag planted as Deadbolt arrived. He was then followed by Coal Ash, who was seeking his first AGS experience. Lipstick was a late scratch on Slack and no sign of Kid Cracker, who had shown some interest in running the Bass Lake route based on an earlier post to social media. Not sure if he ran it this morning, but hoping he was committed and not motivated.  YHC was open to an audible this morning if majority of the PAX wanted to run the lake, but the 3 PAX that were present decided on the hill route that was planned for this morning.

6:30am hit and started with the following warm up.

Warm Up: Light jog to far end of the lot w\Carioca back left to right and then switch right to left at the half way point to the start. YHC gave quick instruction to follow to the paved path around the soccer fields, stopping at the picnic table shelter for Imperial Walkers x10, then a quick mosey to the Crazy Ivan lot for Prison Squats x10, another quick run to the 3 corner for Hillbillies x10. PAX then performed toe walks\heel walks to stretch the calves. Butt Kickers with alternating Frankenstein walks back to the parking lot starting point.

The Workout: This week’s route started us downhill on Stinson. At the top of the hill, we took a left on Bass Lake and proceeded straight to some new territory- Rhamkatte. Always driven by it, but have never run it. After the views we saw today, we’ll be back. The new territory provided a gradual incline on the aptly named Jones Hill Road. To the right, you could see the glow of orange, pinks, and blues of the sky in the distance as if it was beginning to catch fire. PAX rounded Jones Hill Road to the end of the construction and pushed up Old Ride Drive now with the sunrise on the left. Proceeded downhill, taking a left on Holly Springs Road and then a right on Linksland. Heading down Linksland, PAX took a right on Salem Ridge. This provided just enough distance to mentally prepare for the the two hills YHC planned for miles 5 and 6, up Bass Lake and then eventually back up Stinson. As we approached Stinson, Coal Ash came back to pick up the six, first YHC, then Deadbolt. All PAX gave each a look at the top of Stinson, knowing that we had a little less than a mile and one more hill to climb. “One more, let’s do it” was the call and tackled the hill together. As we reached the first lot (Crazy Ivan lot), performed one last loop to pick up the 6 and then attacked the last stretch with a jail break. A great push by Coal Ash who helped YHC find another gear I didn’t think I had. As the saying goes “Iron Sharpens Iron”.

Deadbolt proceeded forward (YHC short changed him on the route) at a solid pace half way around the soccer fields, with PAX continuing to follow. I was hoping for a cool down run during this segment, but it felt more like a continuation of the jail break. #strong

Quick walk back to the tennis court lot for COT. Was joined by Farva, who got a Ruck in this morning around the Lake. A great way to start the week and an even better way to start the morning.

Mary: Stretches w\mumblechatter
Announcements: Wrightsville Half-Full\The Mule March 9th. Carpex Dad 2.0 workout next week Bond Park. Tobacco Half Marathon-March 17th

Prayer: Shredder-praying for a speedy recovery. Double D’s dad, Moby’s Dad. Deadbolt took us out.

One More Hill to Climb..

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Here it is, Super Bowl Sunday. 5 PAX arrived to Womble parking lot, but only one showing support for one of the teams playing today. YHC took PAX for a loop around the soccer fields with intermittent exercises to begin a Super Bowl inspired warm-up that went a little like this…

Warm Up: Mosey’d to the picnic shelter and circled up for SSH x 9. On the jog to the second corner Lipstick inquired with YHC as to who wears #9 on the Patriots, knowing that last week was a #12 count in honor of the GOAT. Informed him that it was not a jersey number, but the 9 count was in honor of the GOAT’s participation in an astounding 9 Super Bowls. Arrived at the second station and performed Squats x9. This was then met with Brady-bashing mumblechatter amongst both Nemo and Lipstick. Something about prison squats in honor of Brady who should be in jail for all of the illegal things he has done in his career-ie: SpyGate, DeflateGate, etc.. (The struggle is ‘real’ for Bills fans). Proceeded to the third corner for Imperial Walkers x9. Final jog to the 4th corner for a set of 12 Hillbillies (just for Lipstick). Butt Kickers to the base of the main picnic shelter with alternating lunge walks to the main parking lot. Squat hold for instruction on the morning route

The Workout: YHC instructed the PAX on a paved hill route that would take them down Stinson, right on Bass Lake Road. They would then head toward Bass Lake, but take a left onto Salem Ridge and then left onto Linksland. Once through Linksland, they would then proceed left onto Holly Springs Road with a left at the Lowe’s back onto Bass Lake. From there, they would have one more hill to climb as they would proceed up Earp Street and then a left onto Raleigh as they head back to Womble. Noted that this may leave them 3/4 mi short, so if they don’t pick up the extra mileage in picking up the 6, they can proceed in doing a figure 8 around the fields while waiting for the extra PAX to finish.

PAX proceed along the route with Forceps on bike, which was key this morning as YHC cramped up at mile 2 and helped with communication between the lead PAX and YHC who was the 6 this morning. Shout out to Lipstick and Bobby Dall who performed 2 circle backs for the six- 1. Up Bass Lake before Salem Ridge and 2. Another at Salem Ridge before Linksland. On Linksland, Forceps circled back for YHC and help push me up Holly Springs Rd. back onto a modified route to Stinson to cut the mileage and allow time to meet up with PAX to conduct COT. Great mumblechatter along the way and appreciated the fellowship. As YHC approached Womble, Lipstick, Bobby Dall, and Nemo had finshed\finishing up their figure 8 loop. As we completed our loops, Darby and Farva were finishing up a 6 mi Ruck. Nice work, fellas!

Then made it back to the shelter and connected with Brexit and Bernie, who had just completed a dozen miles before 8. Lots of solid posts this morning, however, nothing solid about Brexit’s short-ripper gas cloud as PAX exchanged mumblechatter and performed cool down stretches OYO.

Mary: Various cool down stretches oyo.

Announcements: Run Ranger Run this month, Long Ass Run next week

Prayer: Brexit who has been battling headaches. Those playing in tonight’s Super Bowl game to keep everyone safe and injury free. Those participating in Super Bowl parties this evening, that they make the right decisions and drink responsibly and ensure everyone is safe on the roads.

5 PAX for GOAT warm-up, 6 Miles of ‘Yo Momma’, and a 2nd F

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Rolled into Womble 10 minutes before start. Skies were clear and the air was a brisk 27 degrees. Shovel flag planted. Perfect ingredients to start YHC’s favorite day of the week. Four additional PAX rolled in determined to hold me accountable and ensure we’d get our 6 miles and a sunrise together.

Warm Up: YHC decided to augment the warm up this morning due to the dip in temperature and to rule out any additional layers that would be needed prior to the run. Did a full loop around the soccer fields with GOAT (12-Count) cadenced exercises at the 4 corners of the loop. First corner-Side Straddle Hops, Second corner-Imperial Walkers, Third corner- Hillbillies, Forth corner-Squats.  PAX then performed butt kickers and Frankensteins back to the parking lot. While in squat hold, YHC explained the morning route-Standard route, counterclockwise around Bass Lake with the back door Sugg Farm trail exit back to Womble.

The Workout: Finally, a Sunday morning void of rain, snow, and muddy trails. Nothing but hard pavement and frozen trails this morning. PAX made their way down the greenway with Lipstick and Bobby Dall leading the way and picking up the six at periodic points along the trail. Dauber, Forceps, and YHC  paced shortly behind while exchanging some quality mumblechatter. YHC shared a proud parental moment of the week by relaying that my youngest has an uncanny ability to deliver quality on-point ‘Yo Momma’ jokes. This was brought to light earlier this week when her coaches explained to my M that she had them rolling all week with her hidden talent. Still not sure whether to be embarrassed or to laugh, but leaning towards the latter. This conversation then triggered several additional ‘Yo Momma’ classics along the trail. As we rounded the first bend along the trail, Forceps felt some pain (or maybe it was the jokes) and decided against the hills, so he and Dauber proceeded back to the greenway and would meet them back for COT.  YHC proceeded forward and caught back up with Lipstick and Bobby Dall, who had ventured back to pick up the six. PAX moved to the Sugg Trail, where Lipstick gave Bobby Dall and I a preview of BRR and a lesson on ‘handling’ a hill. Sprinting up the hill, Lipstick continued a strong pace beyond a glow of yellow ahead. The silhouette was familiar in the distance and as the yellow approached closer, we discovered it was Brexit, who was fresh off 11-miles of his own (great work!). Had a quick chat and ventured down the home stretch..

PAX proceeded back to Womble the long way around the baseball fields and circled up for some stretches.

Mary: Good Mornings X12, Right over Left X10 (2 additional for former Patriot\Bills player- Doug Flutie), Left over Right x10 (2 additional for Flutie). *Discovered on the run Lipstick is a Bills fan. Pigeon Stretches Right X12\Left X12, Cobra Stretch x12, Downward Dog x12, Michael Phelps to close it out.

Announcements: LAR (Long Ass Run) in a few weeks (2/9), can bike or run, 2nd F after. Shout out to Dauber’s daughter who made State- running healthy and shaving time off her current runs. 2nd-F at Dunkin Donuts for all 5 PAX- where we were later met by Slide Rule and his 2.0-Julius.

Prayer: Continued health for PAX, those experiencing marital issues, and additional prayers for family members with illness.

1 PAX for 3 miles, Leg Work, and Inspired Reflection at AGS

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PAX:

Rolled into AGS 10 minutes before start time, planted flag, and waited for PAX looking to close out a very productive week with some pre-Championship Sunday miles. 6:30 hit and it became clear that YHC was on a solo mission at AGS. Having endured the fritter, a double-dose of Carpex Phoenix and Dad-2.0 workout the day before, the legs were still a little tight and required some much needed stretching. Instead of running the 6 mi hill route I had planned for this morning, YHC called an audible and decided to do a 3mi-figure 8 leg workout around the Womble-fields, with a mix of music and inspiration speeches playing in the headphones throughout the workout.

Warm Up: 12- Good Mornings, 12-High Knees (stationary), 12-Imperial Walkers, 12-Hillbillies, 12-Squats, Michael Phelps, Right Leg over Left, Left Leg over Right for a 12-count

The Workout: 3 mi- figure 8 walk with leg exercises at each of the 4 corners (counts representing the jersey number of the 4 starting QB’s for today’s Championship games). Corner 1 (Drew Brees-9 Squats), Corner 2 (Jared Goff-16 Lunges), Corner 3 (Patrick Mahomes-15 Hacky Sacks), Corner 4 (The GOAT-12 Calf Raises). Rinse-repeat 3 times.

During the walk, I had the unique opportunity to listen to some memorable speeches I hadn’t heard in a while. Started with the classic Valvano ESPY speech, where he reminded that there are three things we all should do every day. No.1 is laugh. No. 2 is think. No. 3 is you should have your emotions moved to tears-happiness or joy…you do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special. Another notable speech was one delivered by Admiral William H. McRaven. If PAX reading this have not heard this 2014 University of Texas Commencement that went viral, I’ve included a link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70

One of the best commencement speeches I have ever heard and offers great life and business lessons.

Mary: 8-(consecutive) Merkins

Prayer: Prayers for injured PAX, DoubleD and his Dad, CrabLegs.

Turning Water Into Coffee

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PAX: Straight Cash, UTI

Warm Up:  This was more mental than physical.  Despite the sound of consistently louder and louder drops of water hitting the roof as my alarm went off at 5:30 AM, I got out of bed with my correctly set alarm (No mis-fire today Skidmark).  I proceeded through my pre-workout ritual which gave me a little time to sit and read a few articles on the best attire for a run in the rain.  Following said ritual, I pulled together the best of what my closet had to offer and went down stairs.  Checking-in with Straight Cash, who had DM’d me the night before, I re-confirmed his HC for a clowncar to AGS.  He got in the car and we both agreed this wasn’t smart but we committed.  If other PAX showed and committed as well, we were in it for the long haul.

The Workout:  We did expect to meet some hard core PAX at Womble.  Upon arrival at approx 6:29 the lot was empty.  We gave it the old 5 min. rule and in at 6:34 and about 30 secs we watched as a lonely car made its way over the speed bumps on Stinson.  The car passed Womble and we started talking game plan.  The rain was a solid “yellow” for the next hour on AccuWeather’s MinuteCast…  So the next debate was Starbucks or Duncan.

Mary:  We were reassured by Draper with our decision to go for coffee, he had also called off his Harris Lake run this morning due to the heavy rain.  At least we weren’t alone.  Straight Cash and I sat at Duncan and covered a broad spectrum of topics both F3 and personal.  The shop itself was pretty dead with the occasional customer strolling through.  There were some questionable cleaning practices in play on the AC intake as the manager or other employee sprayed some sort of aerosol upward onto/into the vent.  I hope it was on the up-and-up and they weren’t simply spray painting the vent cover white for appearances.  There was a definite spray paint smell…

Announcements:  Based on our own mumblechatter I’ll call out the following announcements…

  • BRR hangout Jan 22 – Black Dog Bottle Shop, info on the Facebook and the Slack
  • Breathtaker up for grabs weekly at Cletus – Benefits charity, many ways to contribute either through auction, donation, and even getting others to sponsor you to carry the vest.
  • Convergence Lunch in RTP – Look for updates on the next one on the typical channels.
  • QSwap continues next week SW goes to Carpex.

Prayer:  Selfishly – please pray that Straight Cash and I don’t have some sort of lung-related issues from the DD fumes.

vvv  – Super creepy confirmation of whereabouts and timelines sponsored by Google – vvv

A hunt for Pizza

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A group of 8 gathered for an on road AGS.  And then low and behold Lipstick showed up in what we can only hope was muddy shoes to make it 9.

Warm Up:

Circled up for:
Good Mornings
Hillbillies
Imperial Walkers
Frankenstien Kicks

The Workout:

Run down Stinson to Base Lake. From Base Lake we ran to the Lowe’s where the facilities where checked by M4L.  After Lowe’s we ran to Homegrown to see if we could get a Pie in the early morning hours.  They where closed 🙁 .  Next up was running down Crossways to Domino’s to see if they could fix my Pizza itch.  They too where closed at 7 o’clock in the morning.  It was then decided to run back to the car and go to Dunkin instead.

Mary:

Ummm…

Announcements:

Q swap

Prayer:

Buford Surgery
Yogurt (Government Shutdown)
H1N1 and Messi travels to Disney for Half Marathon.  No Dopey or Goofy challenge this year.

The Last Sunday

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EC: Peeping Tom misunderstood the start time and got there a little early so he made lemonade, putting 2.5 miles on the board before we got started.  Nice work!

Warm Up: 5x Burpees (We had some folks show up a little late) and 20x Side Straddle Hops

The Workout:  We had two distance groups, one went for a 3 mile loop and the other a 6 mile loop.  We stuck together for the first 1.5 miles when Oyster and Lift Kit peeled off down Bass Lake Rd.  Peeping Tom and Nemo got out ahead of the 6 milers and inadvertently created a third group when they made a wrong turn.  Much like the Disney movie we found Nemo (and Peeping Tom) in then end.  (There is some sort of plot twist in here about Peeping Tom running off with Nemo… I’ll leave it alone… moving on!).  The planned 6 mile route was made to avoid the mud at Sugg and Bass Lake but YHC couldn’t resist the opportunity to catch that sunrise that Mookie hyped-up when passing over the reigns.  Fortunately, the mud was pretty tame and not much of an ordeal.  Unfortunately the weather this morning was cloudy and overcast so there was no sunrise to be seen.  Oh well, we went around the back entrance at Bass Lake, going down the hill and circling back to the greenway.  Through the Somerset Stream neighborhood and on through Womble.

There were modifications and circling back for the 6 all along the route so we all ended up with variations between 3 and 9 miles.  We had great support from Messi as he biked the 6 mile route with us.  Circling back and checking in on everyone.

https://labs.strava.com/flyby/viewer/#2044219786?c=dnrfwpgy&z=E&t=1SAAvA&a=ilHYeShf2HkMvNd5xUjYeehg13ntmdd5

Mary:  Is she in FiA?

Announcements:  Welcome FNG Lift Kit.  Oyster brought his father-in-law out for his first F3 experience.  He came to us from Colorado, we let him know that F3 is a nation-wide organization and told him to checkout the website.

Prayer: Prayers out for Doug Stein who got injured at the Heartbreak/Soul Crusher challenge the other day.  There is a sign-up genius out on the HSRC and “Try” club sites to support his family with meals.  He underwent surgery on both legs and his wife is nearly ready to give birth to their second child.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084dada923a13-meals1

7 PAX Finding their ‘Why’ at Any Given Sunday

/in /QIC:
PAX: , , , , , ,

Cold and clear was the forecast this morning for 7 PAX, who went looking for some miles and the elusive sunrise that has been absent the past 3 weeks at Any Given Sunday. Rolled into the parking lot at 6:20am and was quickly greeted by Full House and then Forceps. A clown car carrying H1N1 and Messi rolled in and then was followed by Deadbolt. The surprise of the morning was a rare Kid Cracker Sunday post.  Six-thirty hit and we were off with the following warm up.

Warm Up: Light jog to the back of the parking lot, butt kickers back to the start, followed all the way to the other side with carioca R\L, L\R. Frankensteins to the start. Circled up for Imperial Walkers X10, Hillbillies X10, Stationary High Knees X10, Hacky Sacks X10

The Workout: YHC explained today’s route for those new to Any Given Sunday as well as those that had previously run it solo in the dark…. Standard Bass Lake loop, including the greenway, counter clockwise around the lake, and return through the back side of Sugg Farm onto Womble. Before we took off, Deadbolt explained to the PAX that we he had an announcement to make. Reflecting on an earlier post from Kid Cracker this week which read, “Motivation is the drug of choice for the UNCOMMITTED,” Deadbolt explained the difference between motivation and commitment. Motivation will get you out there for a day, but commitment will keep you out there for years. He further challenged PAX to find their ‘Why,’ which will create the commitment. A very fitting dialogue for 7 guys committed to ‘getting after it’ this morning in sub-freezing temps at 6:30 on a Sunday.

With that, PAX were off, including Messi who was setting the pace by bike. He was quickly out paced by Kid Cracker, who appeared as if he was shot out of a cannon and there was no sign of him as we made our way onto Grigsby headed to Sugg. Great mumblechatter along the greenways and around the lake. As PAX made their way up the back hill of Sugg Farm, they were greeted to one of those trademark AGS sunrises. PAX slowed long enough to take a quick snap in front of the sunrise to capture the moment and then proceed to the final leg to Womble to do a few trips around the fields to close out the 6-mile loop.

Mary: Light stretches post run

Announcements: YHC called a 2nd F at DD for coffee and donuts for those interested. Messi and H1N1 have a Christmas New Years Q at Mutiny

Prayer: Crab Legs, DoubleD’s dad, prayers for Shredder’s mom. Additional prayers for families going through difficult times during the holiday season. Deadbolt took us out.